FLORENCE COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
TJ Joye, Sheriff
PRESS RELEASE
February 7, 2024
FCSO K9 RICO REMEMBERED
Florence County Sheriff’s Office honors the dedicated service of K9 Rico. A full-service patrol canine, Rico, died on February 4, 2024, at the age of 12. Born on June 1, 2011, Rico began his law enforcement service with the Darlington County Sheriff’s Office and later served the Florence County Sheriff’s Office for 9 years. While with FCSO, Rico, a Dutch Shepherd, served on Patrol, Street Crimes Unit, FCSO SWAT, and assisted the US Marshals Service Fugitive Task Force. During his years of service, Rico was responsible for 10 physical apprehensions and 15 non-bite apprehensions, 14 article finds (guns and other evidence), $250,000.00 in seized currency, and the detection of countless amounts of drugs, guns, and fugitives. Rico and his partner, Corporal Brooks Urquhart, were twice the recipients of the American Police Canine Association President’s K9 Team Award (2017 and 2018).
“Not only was Rico an amazing partner, but he was an invaluable asset in our arsenal to combat criminals and fugitives from justice,” Corporal Urquhart stated of his partner of 11 years.
FCSO currently has 13 canines specially trained in apprehension, narcotics, explosive and accelerant detection, and human tracking.
END
Major Michael M. Nunn
General Counsel/P.I.O.
See Attachment Below
